Liverpool let up two goals and ended up tying 2-2 at Brighton in a bad overall performance.
Brighton 2-2 Liverpool, AMEX Stadium, Premier League 8
Jurgen Klopp’s only genuine problem during the contentious loss at Tottenham was in the middle of the field.
Surprisingly, Harvey Elliott was chosen over Ryan Gravenberch or Wataru Endo for the position.
In the 20th minute, Simon Adingra took advantage of Virgil van Dijk’s errant pass to Alexis MacAllister, and Alisson was caught off guard in goal.
It was an outrageous goal for Liverpool to give up, the epitome of careless play from all three players responsible, and a gift to Brighton. Fair play, but Adingra had a great finish.
The Reds have given up the opening goal seven times in their last 11 outings.
In comparison to Liverpool, who were sloppy and frequently exposed in the middle, Brighton were by much the superior team.
But the equalizer came against the grain of the game. When Liverpool gained possession of the ball in midfield, a superb finish from Salah was provided by Nunez.
On the verge of the break, Salah struck once more, expertly converting a penalty after Szoboszlai was pulled down in the box.
Pascal Gross of Brighton should have been dismissed, but for some reason he wasn’t. a flagrant chance to score goals is denied.
Liverpool, despite playing poorly for the entirety of the first 45 minutes, managed to lead at the break.
Brighton 1-2 Liverpool at the break
Elliott, who was making his first league start of the season, was substituted by Gravenberch, underscoring Liverpool’s problems in the first half.
Alisson had to perform at his usual high level to make a smothering stop immediately after the half to prevent Adingra from tying the score.
It should have been 3-1 shortly after that. Gravenberch completed an excellent move by striking the underside of the bar at close range. It ultimately proved to be a turning point.
Salah continued as Diaz missed a good opportunity to shoot wide.
